Editing Northern pike (section)

===Sport fishing===
[[File:20111204 Ringovenstrand Snoek.2 Jan edit1.JPG|thumb|left|Northern pike caught with a [[fishing lure]] in [[Belgium]]]]
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Pike angling is becoming an increasingly popular pastime in Europe. Effective methods for catching include dead baits, lure fishing, and jerk baiting. They are prized as [[game fish]] for their large size and aggressive nature.

Lake fishing for pike from the shore is especially effective during spring, when the big pike move into the shallows to [[Spawn (biology)|spawn]] in weedy areas, and later many remain there to feed on other spawning [[coarse fish]] species to regain their condition after spawning. Smaller jack pike often remain in the shallows for their own protection, and for the small fish food available there. For the hot summer and during inactive phases, the larger female pike tend to retire to deeper water and/or places with better cover. This gives the boat angler good fishing during the summer and winter seasons. [[Trolling (fishing)|Trolling]] (towing a fairy or bait behind a moving boat) is a popular technique.

The use of [[float tube]]s is another method of fishing for pike on small to medium-sized still waters.<ref>[http://www.fishontario.com/articles/FlyFishing/index.cfm?ID=87&FN=20081412125125_FlyFishing Float-tube pike]. fishontario.com {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303100318/http://www.fishontario.com/articles/FlyFishing/index.cfm?ID=87&FN=20081412125125_FlyFishing |date=3 March 2009 }}</ref> [[Fly fishing]] for pike is another eligible way of catching these fish, and the float tube is now recognized as an especially suitable water craft for pike fly-fishing. Also they have been caught this way by using patterns that imitate small fry or invertebrates.

In recent decades, more pike are released back to the water after catching ([[catch and release]]), but they can easily be damaged when handled. Handling those fish with dry hands can easily damage their mucus-covered skin and possibly lead to their deaths from infections.

Since they have very sharp and numerous teeth, care is required in unhooking a pike. Barbless trebles are recommended when angling for this species, as they simplify unhooking. This is undertaken using long [[forceps]], with 30-cm artery clamps the ideal tool. When holding the pike from below on the lower jaw, it will open its mouth. It should be kept out of the water for the minimum amount of time possible, and should be given extra time to recover if being weighed and photographed before release. It's also recommended that anglers use an unhooking mat to prevent it from harm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2023 |title=How To Hold A Pike |url=https://predatorfishingworld.com/how-to-hold-a-pike-without-getting-bitten/ |website=Predator Fishing World}}</ref> If practicing live release, calling the fish "caught" when it is alongside a boat is recommended. Remove the hook by grabbing it with needle-nosed pliers while the fish is still submerged and giving it a flip in the direction that turns the hook out of the mouth. This avoids damage to the fish and the stress of being out of water.

In Finland, catching a ''kymppihauki'', a pike weighing at least {{convert|10|kg|abbr=on}}, is considered the qualification as a master fisherman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://docplayer.fi/18160329-Oppia-suurhauen-saamiseksi.html|title=Oppia suurhauen. saamiseksi|website=docplayer.fi|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>

Many countries have banned the use of live fish for bait, but pike can be caught with dead fish, which they locate by smell. For this technique, fat marine fish like [[herring]], [[sardine]]s and [[mackerel]] are often used. Compared to other fish like the [[eel]], the pike does not have a good sense of smell{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}, but it is still more than adequate to find the [[baitfish]]. Baitfish can be used as [[groundbait]], but also below a float carried by the wind. This method is often used in wintertime and best done in lakes near schools of preyfish or at the deeper parts of shallow water bodies, where pike and preyfish tend to gather in great numbers.

Pike make use of the [[lateral line]] system to follow the [[vortex|vortices]] produced by the perceived prey, and the whirling movement of the [[spinnerbait|spinner]] is probably a good way to imitate or exaggerate these. [[Fishing lure|Jerkbaits]] are also effective and can produce spectacular bites with pike attacking these erratic-moving lures at full speed. For trolling, big [[Plug (fishing)|plugs]] or [[Fishing lure|softbaits]] can be used. [[Spoon lure|Spoons]] with mirror finishes are very effective when the sun is at a sharp angle to the water in the mornings or evenings because they generate the vibrations previously discussed and cause a glint of reflective sunlight that mimics the flash of white-bellied prey.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

When fishing in shallow water for smaller pike, lighter and smaller lures are frequently used. The humble '[[woolly bugger]]' fly is a favourite lure among keen fly fisherman of the southern hemisphere. Fly fishing for pike is an established aspect of the sport and there are now numerous dedicated products to use specifically to target these fish.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportfish.co.uk/blog/2015/09/16/tom-davids-guide-to-fly-fishing-for-pike/|title=Fly Fishing for Pike Advice Guide|date=16 September 2015|work=The Sportfish Post|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref>